Category: Philadelphia Weekly

Roxborough, Pa., Revitalization, Part II

On By esbrathIn community development, green living, health and wellness, new urbanism, Newspaper Articles, Philadelphia Weekly, sustainable businessLeave a comment

I wrote recently about my local ‘hood’s impending transformation from, well, a wee bit run down to the next go-to destination, thanks to an infusion of cash from various grants.

I wrote about Roxborough again, only this time I talked to a few business owners who envision the area as a green corridor, replete with sustainable businesses along the main drag. And who can be against that? Recycling, wind power, organic goods and local owners all making the area a better place for everyone. I, for one, would love such a place.Hell, I lived in San Francisco for five years. It would be like East Coast nirvana… well, sort of!Anyway, check it out, and keep posted for more stories from yours truly.

And, if anyone has any ideas for a story you think I might want to be looking into, I’m always open to ideas. It’s how I make my living. Throw it my way at esbrath@gmail.com.

Roxborough, Pa., Revitalization, Part I

On By esbrathIn community development, new urbanism, Newspaper Articles, Philadelphia Weekly, UncategorizedLeave a comment

They always tell you to write what you know…

So what better place to start than in my own backyard? A few weeks back I was trolling craigslist, checking out the community boards for yoga studios. I’ve taken on the form of human Jell-O in the last year, thanks to a crazy work schedule, some surgery and the resulting hiatus from roller derby.

So I figured I’d better get moving and, considering how hectic my schedule is, I figured getting all Zen-pretzel-like a few times a week would do me a world of good. I found what I was looking for: a new yoga studio opening right in my neighborhood! I wandered over there, chatted with the owner and started  looking through the information pamphlets and sheets she’d given me. And one jumped out at me.Apparently she and a group of other like minded individuals were attempting to get more “green” businesses to move to the area.Now, I should begin by stating that the main drag ’round these parts has seen better days. While it’s nowhere near as trash-strewn and dilapidated as my old stomping grounds in West Philly, it’s also not the kind of place that screams, “Stop! Hang out here!”

It’s not crime: there’s very little of it here. And it’s not all that bad. It’s just not as good as some other places that have, for example, a place to buy locally-grown organic food, books and magazines, or clothes and shoes. 

After a bit more talking, I discovered there’s a contingent of people who want to make it that kind of neighborhood. Cool!

Needless to say, the journalist in me took over, pitched the piece, and the first results can be found online.  

It’s Getting Hot in Here

On By esbrathIn Newspaper Articles, Philadelphia WeeklyLeave a comment

Okay, not really. In fact, it’s snowing outside, which I have to admit I’ve been looking forward to.

I know I’ll be verbally bludgeoned for saying such a thing here in the land of trash trucks as snowplows, but I’ve missed the winter white. It’s true! Granted, years of hoofing it through knee-deep expanses of the stuff, or straining my eyes driving through flakes that begin to resemble warp speed, should’ve left me wanting no more.

But I must be a glutton for punishment. And should we get some real accumulation, I’ll be out there in my mittens, taking a break from the hectic pace I’ve been keeping.

I’m absolutely thrilled that I’ve been working my tail off, but the breakneck speed I’ve been going at for the last few months has left me aching for a vacation.

That won’t be happening anytime soon, however. In addition to a slew of articles in the works, I’m up for a national gig authoring a food website. I’m gunna’ keep it mum for now – it’s me and four other kitchen geeks – but should it land in my lap, I’ll be sure to let y’all in on it.

Until then, enjoy winter, stay warm, and before you know it, we’ll have the heat to whinge about! J